Russian space agency accepting applications for moonwalkers

Russian state space agency has opened up applications for candidates who are interested in traveling to the moon, Russia Today reported on Wednesday.

The Roscosmos State Corporation CEO Aleksandr Ivanoc said that around six to eight people will be selected to leave for the moon.

“The selection begins today and it will last till the end of the year. The results will be summarised at the end of December. A group of six to eight trainees is to be selected,” Ivanov said during a press conference.

“There will be no discrimination based on skin color or gender,” said another official of the space agency.

Roscosmos is finding Russian citizens aged below 35 with qualification in Science, Engineering and having skills in computers and English language.

“The purpose is to select the best specialists who already have certain knacks of operating space or air technologies. They will be the first pilots of Russia’s future spacecraft Federatsiya. All will be trained under the International Space Program and will be the first Russians to fly to the Moon,” read a press statement from Roscosmos.

“Those with experience in the aircraft-building and space rocket industry of the Russian Federation will enjoy priority,” it added.

Russia’s official space agency is aiming for a successful moon landing by 2031 after its first test launch which is scheduled for 2023. A group of four people will be sent via Federatsiya spacecraft which is being developed by the Roscosmos.